Barcelona and Real Madrid have a big date on Saturday in the 2014 edition of El Clasico.

This publication has already taken extensive looks at the goaltending, defense, midfield, forwards and the two big superstars on display.

But one thing missing is the defining factor; the X-factor, if you will. There are always major variables in sports and some are greater than others in determining outcomes. This game features quite a few and here are some of the major X-factors for each one of these titanic teams. 

Latin Post.com takes a look at the teams, potential X-factors, schedule and viewing info and predicts a winner:

Barcelona

There are two major X-Factors for Blaugrana heading into the game. One of them is a major unknown while the other is a weakness that could be easily exploited.

The unknown factor is Luis Suarez. Everyone can tell you how essential he is. Just ask Liverpool, which looks like an impotent team without him. But he has yet to put on the Barca jersey in a big game and there is no telling what kind of form he will be in. Will he figure out how to play with Lionel Messi and Neymar? How will they fit him into the system? Will he be ready for the fast pace of the game?

The other factor that could turn the game around for Barcelona any which way is the defense. Barcelona's defense has been perfect in the league this season and has not conceded a single goal thus far. That would paint a portrait of potency, but the reality is that Blaugrana's defense remains a weak point for the team. The reality is that Spanish sides have yet to pose a major challenge. Moreover, the team has not played any of the elite sides in the league yet.

But in Europe, the picture has been quite different. Barcelona conceded three against Paris and looked weak at dealing with counters the entire evening in that game. Moreover, Barcelona allowed a weak goal against Ajax in its most recent European game.

Real Madrid's counter is far more lethal and the team has been scoring in spades. How will the team deal with a player like Cristiano Ronaldo? Or the physical strength of Karim Benzema? Answers to these questions will determine how Barcelona does in this game.

Real Madrid

For Madrid, the X-factors are somewhat similar to Barcelona's. While Blaugrana has been impeccable at keeping the ball out of the net this season, Los Blancos have struggled with that very situation. Despite being a clean sheet streak over the last few matches, the team is still a work in progress on the back end, with the team highly exposed on the flanks. Sergio Ramos is arguably the top defender on the club, but he might not be available. And if he is, how does he perform? He has been shaky with his decision-making all year long and could be one bad mistake away from hurting this team.

The biggest X-Factor for the team will be Iker Casillas. The netminder has been questionable all year long. Keylor Navas is arguably in better form, but Casillas has been given the chance to regain his top form. It has been a mixed mission thus far with the keeper showing great improvement, but retaining that lack of confidence that has plagued him all year. He needs a big game. Unlike other matches where he is largely inactive, he will see action in this one. He needs to stand tall and help his side to victory. If he lacks any confidence, then it could be a long night for Real Madrid.

The other major factor in this game will be the play of Karim Benzema. The forward has run hot and cold all year. When on top form, he can dominate defenses, just as Liverpool. When he is not, he makes questionable blunders that hurt the team (see Atletico Madrid game earlier this year). He has been good against Barcelona, but he needs a big game, especially with Gareth Bale's status questionable for the match.

Schedule, Where to Watch

El Clasico can be seen at 12 p.m. EDT Saturday, Oct. 25. on Sky Sports 5 for UK fans and BeIN Sports US. Mobile coverage of the game can be seen on the Sky Go app and BeIN Sports Connect. Find more viewing info here.

Predictions

A 0-0 Draw. It hasn't happened in a long time, but it is bound to happen at some point. Why not on Saturday?

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